Texas Governor declares state of emergency

18-24 inches expected in San Antonio

Southeast and central Texas can expect imminent dangers in the form of floods, high winds, tornadoes, lightning and power outages created by Hurricane Harvey.

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Hurricane Harvey will be an unprecedented stormand should not be judged with our personal history when deciding how to plan for its intensity and danger. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has urged citizens to “heed warnings and evacuate as soon as possible…a lot of people are taking this storm for granted thinking it may not post much of a danger to them.”

Flood Facts (readygov.com)

President Donald Trump called Gov. Abbott “to pledge all available federal resources to assist in preparation, as well as rescue and recovery efforts.” Abbott thanked the president and assured him that Texas was working “hand-in-hand” with local and federal partners. President Trump will be briefed throughout the hurricane’s progress said White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders.

“FEMA stands ready to support state, local and tribal officials as they prepare for Hurricane Harvey,” Brock Long of the Federal Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. “I encourage residents who will be affected to follow directions from their local officials. Know your threats, heed the warnings, and if you’re in the path of the storm, ensure your family is prepared for possible prolonged disruptions to normal services.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency established an Incident Support Base at Randolph Auxiliary Airfield near Seguin, east of San Antonio, filled with supplies such as water, meals, blankets and other resources to be available to potentially affected residents according to Brock Long of FEMA.

Here are guidelines Texans should place into action:

Know and follow the rule: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown! ®”

Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.

Disconnect electrical appliances and do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. You could be electrocuted.

If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve. This helps prevent fires and explosions.

Steer clear of flooded roads (FEMA)

Do not drive over bridges that are over fast-moving floodwaters. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridge unstable.

Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.

If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.

Avoid camping or parking along streams, rivers, and creeks during heavy rainfall. These areas can flood quickly and with little warning.

If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.

Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.

Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks).

Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.

Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.

Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.

Review your evacuation plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.

Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.